Zambia is Africa’s largest copper producer. The copper industry — along with government support of agriculture — have helped the nation achieve a sturdy 6% economic growth in recent years. Zambia is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Victoria Falls.

Known by local tribes as “the smoke that thunders,” the falls are so large that they can be heard as far as 25 miles away, and the rising spray and mist can be seen from a distance of more than 30 miles!

Located in the south-central part of the African continent, it’s no wonder that tourism is another strong-suit of the Zambian economy. From its stunning wildlife and breathtaking scenery to its vast stretches of untouched land, Zambia is a perfect place to go on safari when CI supporters take a trip to visit their sponsored children in Lusaka, the nation’s capital.

But it’s not all safaris and exotic landscapes: It is estimated that more than 60% of the Zambian population lives below the poverty line. This is why CI established a presence here more than a decade ago.

Issues in Zambia

Issue: Health care

Most of the kids in our communities lack access to comprehensive health and dental care.

How we’re helping

Although government-run medical clinics exist in communities where our sponsored kids live, these facilities are overwhelmed and understaffed. They also rarely have the necessary medications on hand, and patients must pay fees for services. Lastly, dental care is simply not available.

Enrollment in our sponsorship program helps ensure kids have access to these critical services, giving them a chance to grow up healthy — and showing their shiny pearly whites!

Issue: Education

It can be extremely difficult for young kids who fall behind early in education to ever catch up.

How we’re helping

We provide an Early Childhood Development program that teaches more than just colors, numbers and letters. Classes focus on hand-eye coordination, emotional and social development, and early math and language skills.

This knowledge launches kids onto a trajectory of success for primary school — and beyond.

Issue: Unemployment

How we’re helping

Rich or poor, academic success is key for kids to become empowered and employed. CI makes sure sponsored school-aged kids have basic school supplies. But the other tools kids need are less tangible, and at least as important.

Our robust youth programs, such as Into Employment® and Social and Financial Education, ensure youth have the skills and knowledge they need to become empowered and break the cycle of poverty.

Stories from Zambia

Following a path to independence

His father died when Levy was 4. But that was only the beginning of the hardships the little boy from Lusaka, Zambia, faced during childhood. He spent years breathing through a tube and underwent 10 surgeries. Yet, without a note of self-pity, Levy, now 18, downplays his difficulties. He says simply, “I remember living a restricted life.”

Discovering his voice

Levy’s health difficulties began to manifest when he was about 6 as he suffered increasingly from labored breathing. By the time he was 8, when he became enrolled in CI’s sponsorship program, he could only look on longingly as his friends and younger brother participated in the typical playful fun and games that define childhood.

After being diagnosed with a benign tumor in his throat, CI’s doctors coordinated the many surgeries Levy needed at a teaching hospital in Lusaka.

Community centers

The David C. Emmett Center

Our community center in Chibolya serves as an oasis for more than 7,000 sponsored kids who call the harsh and badly impoverished surroundings “home.” The building includes dental, medical and admin offices, a pharmacy, library, youth center and playground.

Abigail N.

“My job always gives me a big smile knowing that I am making a positive impact in the lives of sponsored youth. I will always thank the Children International - Zambia team for giving me such a great opportunity to work with these young people in sharing their stories, passions and dreams.”

Chabchecker M.

“Children International is a beacon of hope. It has brought smiles to the faces of so many children we are privileged to serve. I am excited to be part of this organization that is bringing lasting improvements in the lives of vulnerable children. When I see them playing around at the community center, smiling and laughing, my soul is happy and satisfied, because life is all about adding value to other people’s lives. Thank you for support in Zambia!”

Thomas M.

“I am a tutor in the Edulution Program. I feel happy helping other kids learn and improve in mathematics. I tutor 30 kids per day who come in different sessions. CI has given me the knowledge and skills to become a better facilitator, coach and a good role model to many kids in my community.”

Arthur C.

“Children International means a lot to me. It means transformation of lives in all aspects. CI has done a lot in my community; it has brought a lot of improvements in people’s lives through increased access to education, nutritional and health care services as well as youth empowerment activities. CI has made the burden of poverty much easier to bear. The expressions on the children’s faces tell stories of a future they look forward to a future full of great possibilities.”